Countdown for PSLV-C 15 launch begins

Chennai: The over 50-hour count down for the
17th flight launch of ISRO`S Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
PSLV-C 15 from Sriharikota spaceport began today.

The countdown for the launch from Satish Dhawan Space
Centre scheduled at 9.22 am on Monday, began at 6.52 am today,
ISRO officials said.

"The countdown is progressing well and the launch will be
as per schedule," ISRO spokesperson S Satish told.

He said preparations are in full swing and all parameters
for the launch of PSLV-C-15, which would put five satellites,
into the orbit, were doing well.

These satellites include remote sensing satellite
Cartosat-2B from India, Alsat from Algeria, nano satellites
from Canada and Switzerland and a pico (very small) satellite
called Studsat built by seven engineering students in Andhra
Pradesh and Karnataka.

The PSLV launch was to take place on May 9 last but was
postponed because of a drop in the pressure in the vehicle`s
second stage.

This would be the first mission by ISRO after the failure
of India`s ambitious home-made cryogenic engine powered
GSLV-D3 in April last.

Satish said the satellite would help in urban planning
and infrastructure development such as laying ring-roads and
rerouting of highways.